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Anybody tried this attenuator?

post #1 of 17
5/6/09 at 9:18pm
Thread Starter 
Looks like it's essentially a brand X DACT 23. It may suck but for under $30 I figured I wouldn't kick myself too much. Has anyone tried to go this route? I can't afford to spend $200+ on an attenuator at the moment, but I know the RK27 is a bottleneck.

DACT Type 23 Stepped Attenuator Potentiometer 50K 2a3 - eBay (item 270375156703 end time May-15-09 20:03:50 PDT)
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post #2 of 17
5/6/09 at 10:18pm
DACT attenuators are basically just built to better standards, and the line I'm thinking of uses a ladder network of resistors instead of a series divider.

Nonetheless, I've heard good things about this "ebay version"
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post #3 of 17
5/6/09 at 10:41pm
Yeah, it's a nice attenuator. Sounds good, build quality isn't fantastic but definitely worth the price. I've used it in many builds and it's my "go-to" attenuator for all non "boutique" builds. I even stuck one into my 3-channel Beta22 and donated a balanced version to the Krmathis build.
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post #4 of 17
5/6/09 at 10:53pm
Yes, I asked the same question a while ago, before purchasing it. I couldn't justify the cost of a really good attenuator either and this one works well, sounds great (better than the pot I was using) and I'll be getting another one very soon (probably this evening) to put in another amp I'm building.
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post #5 of 17
5/7/09 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
Sounds like it's worth a shot then. Thanks for the recommendations.

When even my untrained ears can hear grainy artifacts because of the pot, I know it's time to upgrade
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post #6 of 17
5/7/09 at 12:17pm
For those looking for a more expensive, but significantly better built attenuator, have a look at HeadAmp Audio Electronics (Order). Justin is providing some pretty steep discounts on real DACT attenuators and it's awesome to see a manufacturer supporting the DIY side of the hobby like this. I've used one of the Ebay attenuators and have an ongoing problem with the switch rendering it essentially useless. Not saying it isn't worth the $30 gamble, but make sure you check the operation of the all the steps.
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post #7 of 17
5/7/09 at 12:24pm
From what I've read, the Noble potentiometer is suppose to be superior to the Blue Velvet (and Black Beauty), and it's supposedly a direct drop in for the Alps model, which is perfect if you have clearance issues. Beyond Percy Audio, I'm not sure who else sells them...any ideas?
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post #8 of 17
5/7/09 at 3:38pm
Here's one - 10k, but it is a nice pot. I used one in my Raven as a shunted pot.

The best _available_ 'regular' pots are the TDK 2511 (or 2508). Not sure if they are better than the rk40 or not.
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post #9 of 17
5/7/09 at 5:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by n_maher View Post
For those looking for a more expensive, but significantly better built attenuator, have a look at HeadAmp Audio Electronics (Order). Justin is providing some pretty steep discounts on real DACT attenuators and it's awesome to see a manufacturer supporting the DIY side of the hobby like this. I've used one of the Ebay attenuators and have an ongoing problem with the switch rendering it essentially useless. Not saying it isn't worth the $30 gamble, but make sure you check the operation of the all the steps.
I didn't even know Headamp sold DIY, prices are very reasonable as well. I almost payed the same price secondhand, for a Dact. Well done Justin.
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post #10 of 17
5/7/09 at 9:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by n_maher View Post
For those looking for a more expensive, but significantly better built attenuator, have a look at HeadAmp Audio Electronics (Order). Justin is providing some pretty steep discounts on real DACT attenuators and it's awesome to see a manufacturer supporting the DIY side of the hobby like this.
I agree 100%. Justin is going to sell a lot of these once the word gets out.

It is good for him, and good for us!
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post #11 of 17
5/8/09 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beefy View Post
I agree 100%. Justin is going to sell a lot of these once the word gets out.

It is good for him, and good for us!
Is that for real? If so, thanks a million for the heads up!
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post #12 of 17
5/8/09 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbfreak View Post
Is that for real? If so, thanks a million for the heads up!
Yes it is.

Too bad I can't afford a cmoy at the moment or I would certainly have a use for those!
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post #13 of 17
5/8/09 at 9:26pm
My 1st experience with DACT Stepped Attenuator was that great when I received my WA6. Opting for a Gold Point Stepped Attenuator for my WA6SE which currently in making now. Looking forward to a positive experience...
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post #14 of 17
5/8/09 at 10:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbfreak View Post
Is that for real? If so, thanks a million for the heads up!
I didn't do anything - thank Nate and Justin
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post #15 of 17
5/9/09 at 12:33am
Thanks for the heads up, I grabbed myself a CT-2 and two pairs of the rca jacks (they're vampire Vampire Wire - #PCB2F/S)

Beta22 one step closer to completion
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